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Victoria
Native heritage highlights in Victoria include the world-famous Royal British Columbia Museum, which features an extensive collection of artifacts and ancient totems presented in a fascinating permanent exhibit. Behind the Royal BC Museum, in Thunderbird Park, a series of totem poles are on display and, in the summer, visitors can often watch Native artists carving totems in the carving shed.
Victoria is also home to a number of excellent Native art galleries and collections. Many restaurants and accommodation properties display Native art collections.
The West Coast
The Alberni Valley Museum in Port Alberni features an outstanding Nuu-chah-nulth Native basketry collection as well as other artifacts, including some that were discovered at a nearby archeological dig and date back 4,000 years. Farther west, Tofino is the departure point for the water taxi that takes visitors to Flores Island and the Walk on the Wild Side Heritage Trail.
Nootka Sound
Known as the birthplace of the province, Nootka Sound, west of Campbell River, is where Captain James Cook was met by Chief Maquinna in 1778. Tours of these historic waters are available in the summer.
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Duncan and the Cowichan Valley
Known as the City of Totems, Duncan is graced with over 80 totems, found mostly in the downtown area (tours are available). One of the area’s prime attractions, the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre is located in Duncan and features demonstrations of Native arts, storytelling, audio-visual presentations, music and dance. Several excellent Native galleries in Duncan present works by prominent Native artists.
Nanaimo
Petroglyph Park, just south of Nanaimo, is named for its many stone carvings, called petroglyphs, estimated to be more than 10,000 years old; interpretive displays give details about the petroglyphs. More Native heritage artifacts are presented in Nanaimo’s exceptional district museum.
Campbell River and Quadra Island
Return to the Island Highway and continue north to Campbell River. Campbell River’s museum features an extensive collection of artifacts. Quadra Island, a ten-minute ferry trip from Campbell River, is renowned for its outstanding Kwagiulth Museum.
North Island
From Port McNeill, take the BC Ferries trip to Alert Bay, the location of an exceptional potlatch collection and where Native dance performances are held during the summer. Port Hardy is the gateway to the Inside Passage to northern BC. Continue on the Totem Circle Rail and Cruise Tour or travel to the Haida Gwaii of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
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